The Woodbury Fire has now spread across nearly 26,000 acres of Tonto National Forest and remains zero percent contained. An unforeseen weather event significantly increased the acreage of the fire this past week.
The fire spread north after a dryline, which occurs when cold air meets warm air, brought high-strength winds to the area.
Fire information officer Dick Fleischman said the high amount of winter moisture the area received means the fire is likely to grow in size.
“This fire is going into that larger category that’s for sure. When it’s all said and done it could be twice as big," Fleischman said.
Fleischman also said containment efforts right now are focused on keeping the fire away from spreading to Superior and Apache Junction to the south.
Fire operations have begun on the north end of the blaze near State Route 88, a portion of which will remain closed indefinitely.
